O'Driscoll and co back for Leinster
Fri, 28 Nov 2008 18:39
Leinster have a near to full-strength side set to face the Newport Gwent Dragons in Saturday's Magners League clash at the Royal Dublin Society, boasting an array of international stars.
Brian O'Driscoll is named in the Leinster team and partners Fergus McFadden at centre, with Shane Horgan, Girvan Dempsey and Simon Keogh named in the back three.
Skipper Chris Whitaker partners Jonathan Sexton at halfback.
In the pack Cian Healy starts in the front row alongside Bernard Jackman and Stan Wright, with Bank of Ireland Player of the Month Devin Toner partnering Malcolm O'Kelly at second row.
Rocky Elsom starts alongside Sean O'Brien and Stephen Keogh in the back row.
David Holwell is named on a strong bench after re-joining the province as cover this week. Holwell, 33, made 22 appearances for the province during the 2004/05 season and amassed 282 points (5 tries, 55 conversions, 49 penalties) in all competitions.
Leinster Coach Michael Cheika commented: "I am delighted that David was so keen to return to Leinster to provide cover over the next few weeks. David has outstanding experience as an international class operator and I know how highly he is regarded by those who played with him during his last spell with Leinster, which makes me very confident in him playing an important role for us at this important stage of the season. The fact that the he has already worn the blue jersey and understands our culture is a real bonus.
"With Felipe Contepomi and Isa Nacewa due to return to action over the next few weeks, it is important that we maintain our momentum and David will provide the extra cover we need in the flyhalf position behind Jonathan Sexton."
The final place on the bench will be confirmed closer to kick-off.
Leinster: 15 Girvan Dempsey, 14 Shane Horgan, 13 Brian O'Driscoll, 12 Fergus McFadden, 11 Simon Keogh, 10 Jonathan Sexton, 9 Chris Whitaker
(captain), 8 Stephen Keogh, 7 Sean O'Brien, 6 Rocky Elsom, 5 Malcolm O'Kelly, 4 Devin Toner, 3 Stan Wright, 2 Bernard Jackman, 1 Cian Healy.
Replacements: 16 Brian Blaney, 17 CJ van der Linde / Jamie Hagan, 18 Trevor Hogan, 19 Cameron Jowitt, 20 Chris Keane, 21 David Holwell, 22 Gary Brown.
Date: Saturday, November 29
Venue: Royal Dublin Society
Kick-off: 17.30 GMT
Referee: Andy Macpherson (Scotland)
Touch judges: Michael Black (Ireland), Richard Kerr (Ireland)
TMO: Peter Ferguson (Ireland)
